Looks like the payload canister containing the STS-131 payloads has returned to the SSPF from OPF-3!

You can see MPLM/PMM "Leonardo" in the top-right, and the old S1 ATA in the aft of the payload canister! It’s amazing to think that until last week, that ATA had been exposed to space since STS-112 in October 2002!

The aft endcone is being removed from MPLM FM-1/PMM "Leonardo". Once removed, the racks inside the MPLM will be removed with the Rack Insertion Device (RID), which can be seen at the top-left of the image.

The aft endcone is being removed from MPLM FM-1/PMM "Leonardo". Once removed, the racks inside the MPLM will be removed with the Rack Insertion Device (RID), which can be seen at the top-left of the image.

The aft endcone is being removed from MPLM FM-1/PMM "Leonardo". Once removed, the racks inside the MPLM will be removed with the Rack Insertion Device (RID), which can be seen at the top-left of the image.

This belongs and is already being posted in the STS-133 thread.

I didn't think STS-133 processing/PMM modifications officially began until Leonardo has been de-serviced from STS-131?

“BREAKING NEWS: The US space agency NASA have agreed to send a fourth Node to the ISS on an additional Shuttle mission, designated STS-135. This new Node, named Node 4, will be berthed to the zenith port of Node 2.”

Ha! I WISH! I’m just kidding. This is the Node 1 STA (Structural Test Article).

“BREAKING NEWS: The US space agency NASA have agreed to send a fourth Node to the ISS on an additional Shuttle mission, designated STS-135. This new Node, named Node 4, will be berthed to the zenith port of Node 2.”

Ha! I WISH! I’m just kidding. This is the Node 1 STA (Structural Test Article).

You kid...but ask yourself: why is it out on the floor?? Phillip says cleaning...but why would you clean it in a clean room?

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Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our rights & freedoms, and for those injured, visible or otherwise, in that fight.

“BREAKING NEWS: The US space agency NASA have agreed to send a fourth Node to the ISS on an additional Shuttle mission, designated STS-135. This new Node, named Node 4, will be berthed to the zenith port of Node 2.”

Ha! I WISH! I’m just kidding. This is the Node 1 STA (Structural Test Article).

You kid...but ask yourself: why is it out on the floor?? Phillip says cleaning...but why would you clean it in a clean room?

“BREAKING NEWS: The US space agency NASA have agreed to send a fourth Node to the ISS on an additional Shuttle mission, designated STS-135. This new Node, named Node 4, will be berthed to the zenith port of Node 2.”

Ha! I WISH! I’m just kidding. This is the Node 1 STA (Structural Test Article).

You kid...but ask yourself: why is it out on the floor?? Phillip says cleaning...but why would you clean it in a clean room?

Good point!If STS-135 were to fly (it would be June 2011 at the earliest), that would give NASA 1 year to outfit the Node 1 STA to flight readiness level. I should think a lot of work would be involved - at the moment it’s basically a hollow shell. All the CBM, electrical, command & control, ventilation, and closeout panel hardware would have to be installed. Plus I should think the ISS software would have to be updated to accommodate it. And what about berthing ports? Maybe Node 2 Nadir would be a good location, as that would provide increased MMOD protection over Node 2 Zenith. Node 4 Nadir could then become the primary VV port, if a PDGF were installed on Node 4 to accommodate the SSRMS.Of course, this is all purely speculation – but can you think of a better reason for congress to approve STS-135 - adding a new module to allow for future expansion of the ISS by private industry? They wouldn't be able to argue that it goes against Obama's new vision, would they?

Of course, this is all purely speculation – but can you think of a better reason for congress to approve STS-135 - adding a new module to allow for future expansion of the ISS by private industry? They wouldn't be able to argue that it goes against Obama's new vision, would they?

The lack of ports would seem a likely reason to bring it out and make it a candidate for some future mission. Perhaps not shuttle, but there is always hope. STS-135 would not be the likely flight: ISS re-supply is far more critical at the moment.

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Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our rights & freedoms, and for those injured, visible or otherwise, in that fight.

Setting aside other hurdles (such as the cost), one year wouldn't be nearly enough lead time to (among other things) fabricate the parts, outfit the test article, integrate it into current station operations (probably breaking some existing procedures/protocols), and test it for flight in its current configuration.

Setting aside other hurdles (such as the cost), one year wouldn't be nearly enough lead time to (among other things) fabricate the parts, outfit the test article, integrate it into current station operations (probably breaking some existing procedures/protocols), and test it for flight in its current configuration.

How long would it take to prepare it for duty as the first element of a BLEO station?

Setting aside other hurdles (such as the cost), one year wouldn't be nearly enough lead time to (among other things) fabricate the parts, outfit the test article, integrate it into current station operations (probably breaking some existing procedures/protocols), and test it for flight in its current configuration.

How long would it take to prepare it for duty as the first element of a BLEO station?

I'd say impossible, but barring that: pointless. It wasn't designed for that environment, and there is simply no point in starting something along those lines at this point, especially with such a module. Better to start with a new design optimized for the intended launch vehicle (which won't be shuttle)

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Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our rights & freedoms, and for those injured, visible or otherwise, in that fight.